Staple Inserter Slider Release for Easy Staple Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing staple inserters lack the ability to selectively release staples after deployment, necessitating manual manipulation or complex mechanisms for removal.
Innovation Solution
A staple inserter with a slider and button mechanism that allows selective unlocking and release of staples, utilizing a slider with a distal lip for locking and unlocking positions, and a button that prevents proximal sliding when engaged, enabling easy staple removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a staple inserter uses a simple structure without a release mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because manual manipulation or complex mechanisms are needed for staple removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a slider mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. The slider moves along the body to cover or expose the cavity, enabling dynamic control over staple access. This dynamic structure allows simple operation for staple removal while maintaining overall device simplicity through straightforward mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The button serves as an intermediary element between the user and the slider mechanism. When pressed, the button actuates the slider to transition between locked and unlocked states. This intermediary provides an easy-to-operate interface that simplifies staple removal without requiring direct manual manipulation of the staple or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a staple inserter includes a release mechanism with slider and button, then the ease of operation for staple removal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the release mechanism functionality into the existing body structure. The slider is slidingly disposed on the body and integrates with the cavity design, while the button is positioned proximal of the slider along the body. This merging approach allows the release mechanism to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity, as components are combined with the fundamental structure of the inserter.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves multiple functions: it covers the cavity when locked to retain the staple, exposes the cavity when unlocked to enable staple removal, and its position can be controlled by the button. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the slider is always in the unlocked position to allow staple removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the staple cannot be retained securely
Solution Approach 1:
The slider provides dynamic control over staple retention, transitioning between locked (cavity covered) and unlocked (cavity exposed) positions. When locked, the distal lip of the slider securely covers the cavity to retain the staple. When unlocked, the lip exposes the cavity to enable staple removal. This dynamic positioning maintains both reliability during retention and ease of operation during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The button provides tactile feedback to indicate the slider's state and enables controlled transition between locked and unlocked positions. The button mechanism ensures that the slider only moves to the unlocked position when intentionally actuated, providing feedback that maintains staple security during normal use while enabling easy removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A staple inserter provides a member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The body has a cavity at the distal end. A slider is slidingly disposed on the body and includes a distal lip covering the cavity when in a locked position. The lip exposes the cavity when in an unlocked position. A staple is retained in the cavity.